Search Lakewood Divorce Decrees
Lakewood is a major suburb west of Denver. It sits entirely within Jefferson County. The First Judicial District serves the area. The courthouse is located in nearby Golden. Lakewood residents file for divorce there. All records are maintained at that location. The court handles hundreds of cases yearly. Records date back many decades.
Jefferson County District Court Serving Lakewood
The courthouse address is 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden. This is the county seat. All Jefferson County divorces are filed here. The building is modern and accessible. Parking is free in the lot.
The clerk's office is open weekdays. Hours are 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The office is closed weekends. It closes on federal holidays. Call 303-271-2444 for information. Staff answer questions promptly.
The First Judicial District includes Gilpin County too. But Lakewood is in Jefferson County. Make sure to identify the correct court. This ensures proper filing. It speeds up record requests.
C.R.S. § 14-10-106 governs all procedures. Residency requirements are strictly enforced. The 91-day rule applies. Waiting periods are observed. Lakewood follows state standards.
How to Obtain Lakewood Area Divorce Records
The process is straightforward. Visit the Golden courthouse. Request a record search form. Fill it out completely. Submit it to the clerk. Pay required fees. Receive your copies.
You will need identifying information. Full names are required. The year of divorce helps. Case numbers are best. Without them, name searches cost $5. Results may take extra time.
Certified copies cost $20 each. This is per CJD 06-01. Regular copies are $0.25 per page. Payment is due at time of request. Cash, check, and cards are accepted. Confirm payment methods beforehand.
Mail requests are processed. Send to the Golden address. Include detailed information. Include payment by check. Include a stamped envelope. Allow two weeks minimum. Complex requests take longer.
Online Docket Access for Jefferson County
The statewide system covers this court. Access it anytime. Search from home or office. No registration needed. The service is free.
Go to the Judicial Branch website. Click on docket search. Select the First Judicial District. Enter search terms. Review results instantly. Print or save for reference.
Results show case summaries. They list all filings. They show hearing dates. They indicate case status. But they do not show documents. You must visit for copies.
Filing Requirements for Lakewood Residents
Before filing, establish residency. Live in Colorado for 91 days. Live in Jefferson County if possible. File where you reside. This follows C.R.S. § 14-10-106.
The filing fee is $260. This is the state rate. Pay when submitting papers. Fee waivers are available. File a motion if needed. Show proof of low income. The judge decides.
After filing, wait 91 days. This is mandatory. The court cannot act sooner. Use this time productively. Gather financial documents. Negotiate with your spouse. Attend parenting classes.
Colorado is a no-fault state. Under C.R.S. § 14-10-106, irreconcilable differences suffice. No blame is assigned. This simplifies the process. Most cases settle amicably.
Lakewood's Diverse Population and Divorce Records
Lakewood is culturally diverse. This affects record keeping. Names from many cultures are filed. The court handles various naming conventions. Accurate spelling is important. Provide correct names when searching.
Language services are available. The court provides interpreters. This helps non-English speakers. Forms may be translated. Call ahead to arrange services. There is no extra cost.
The city has varied income levels. Some residents need fee waivers. Others require payment plans. The court accommodates both. Access to justice is prioritized. No one is turned away for inability to pay.
Common Document Types in Lakewood Cases
Several documents are typically filed. Each serves a purpose. Understanding them helps your search. Request only what you need.
- Petition for Dissolution starts the legal process
- Summons notifies the other party to respond
- Financial Affidavit discloses all income and assets
- Parenting Plan establishes custody and visitation schedules
- Separation Agreement divides all marital property
- Decree finalizes the dissolution of marriage
Each document has a filing date. The register of actions lists these. It creates a timeline. This shows case progress. It helps locate specific documents.
Additional Resources for Lakewood Residents
Legal help is available nearby. Jefferson County has legal aid offices. They assist with divorces. They help with record requests. Services are income-based. Call for eligibility screening.
The court's self-help center provides forms. Staff explain procedures. They cannot give legal advice. But they ensure forms are complete. This prevents delays. It reduces rejections.
Mediation services exist. They help resolve conflicts. This avoids lengthy trials. It saves money. It reduces stress. The court can recommend mediators. Private services are also available.